Physics
Physics, the science of matter and energy, is the study of the deepest mysteries of our universe, ranging from subatomic particles to cosmology. Exploring ideas of space, time, matter, energy and radiation, it serves as the basis for the physical sciences, engineering and new technologies. At UW-Eau Claire, we also combine the study of physics with astronomy to apply the ideas of physics to the study of planets, stars, galaxies and all celestial phenomena within reach of our telescopes. These two areas share a vast array of common ideas and knowledge, and discoveries in physics often aid progress in astronomy and vice versa.
Why study physics?
- Modern society is influenced by physics in countless ways, including recent development in such fields as laser optics, miniaturized electronics, nanotechnology, nuclear energy and medical instrumentation.
- It’s a field in which you try to solve mysteries of the universe such as: What are the fundamental forces in the universe? What holds atoms together? How does an airplane fly?
- It’s solid preparation for graduate studies in physics, surface science, astronomy, materials science, medical physics, medicine, teaching, engineering, architecture, law and for careers working in computer companies, planetariums, government laboratories, the military, industry and the Peace Corps.
- Participate in life-changing endeavors like developing methods and tools that diagnose and cure disease; managing traffic flow in large cities; predicting geological phenomena like earthquakes, tornadoes and floods; creating new materials; and developing cleaner fuels for automobiles.
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Learn about the advantages of studying physics at UW-Eau Claire. |
Career options
- High school teacher – physics, chemistry, mathematics
- Engineer – civil, mechanical, electrical, nuclear
- Technician
- Technical writer
- Planetarium director
- Continue on to graduate school and receive your master’s degree or Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, materials science, engineering, medical physics, etc.
Undergraduate programs
The UW-Eau Claire department of physics and astronomy offers:
Majors/Minors
- Physics – liberal arts emphasis, applied emphasis or dual degree emphasis
- Physics – teaching
Comprehensive Majors (require no minor)
- Physical Science – teaching
- Physics-Math – teaching
Pre-engineering (see separate Fact Sheet)
UW-Eau Claire has a strong pre-engineering program where students usually spend two years at UW-Eau Claire before transferring to an engineering school to complete their degree. We also offer a dual degree program, which allows students to earn two bachelor’s degrees in five years — a physics degree from UW-Eau Claire and an engineering degree from either UW-Madison or the University of Minnesota.
High school preparation
- To study physics, students should have curiosity, imagination and personal satisfaction from solving problems. They also should enjoy mathematics and analysis of the physical world.
- Ideally, students interested in physics should complete four years of high school college preparatory mathematics and at least three years of high school science, including chemistry and physics.
- All students who enroll at UW-Eau Claire are required to have a minimum of 17 college preparatory units including:
– 4 years of English (at least 3 composition and literature)
– 2 years of a single foreign language
– 3 years of math (algebra, geometry, 1 advanced college preparatory math)
– 3 years of natural science
– 3 years of social science (1 must be world or American history)
– 2 additional units in the areas already mentioned or other academic areas
Freshman course work (sample first year)
Fall Semester
- Engl 110, Introduction to College Writing, 5 credits
- Math 112, Precalculus Mathematics, 4 credits
or Math 114, Calculus I, 4 credits - Chem 103, General Chemistry, 5 credits
Spring Semester
- Math 114, Calculus I, 4 credits
or Math 215, Calculus II, 4 credits - Phys 231, University Physics I, 5 credits
- Phys 229, Astronomy – Stars/Galaxies, 4 credits
- Social sciences or humanities course, 3 credits
For more information
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